Tag: transformation

Day 9 of the 7-40 Challenge: Conquering Life’s Gravity and Staying in Motion

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow goal-chasers! If you’re just joining me on this wild ride, welcome aboard. For the uninitiated, the 7-40 Challenge is my personal quest to nail down seven daily habits over the next 40 days. The goal? Crystal-clear clarity, unstoppable momentum, and real, tangible progress toward the things that matter to me. We’re talking exercise, healthy eating, gratitude, and more—small steps adding up to massive leaps.

Today marks Day 9, and honestly, it feels like a milestone already. Nine days might not sound like much in the grand scheme, but let me tell you: I’m reclaiming something I didn’t even realize I’d lost. Rhythm. The kind where your body and mind sync up, and everything just… flows. As I shared a few days back, one of Newton’s famous laws hits home here: A body in motion tends to stay in motion—unless acted upon by an outside force. And what is that force? In physics, it’s gravity. In life? It’s life itself.

The Pull of Life’s Gravity

Think about it. We build these incredible routines—the habits that propel us forward, keep us healthy, focused, and thriving. But then, bam! Gravity strikes. A sudden illness knocks you off your feet. A job loss shakes your foundation. Or, like in my case, a big move turns your world upside down. These aren’t just minor hiccups; they’re forces that can yank us out of orbit if we’re not vigilant.

If we slack on those daily commitments—the ones that make us better—we end up stalled. Inertia sets in, and restarting feels like pushing a boulder uphill. I’ve been there, and it’s exhausting. But here’s the silver lining: recognizing this pattern is the first step to breaking free.

My Own Gravity-Defying Story

Let me get real with you. Recently, I landed a new job that meant uprooting my family and moving 200 miles away. On paper, it doesn’t sound epic—it’s not across continents or anything. But after nine years in our old home? That place was our sanctuary. Nine years of comfort, accumulated “stuff,” deep-rooted memories, and a rock-solid routine that kept us grounded.

The move? Total chaos. Everything flipped: our daily rhythms, our sense of normalcy, even the little things like knowing where the nearest good restaurant was. We arrived in our new spot feeling disoriented, like we’d been hurled into a storm. It is taking time to navigate the mess, rebuild from scratch, and fight that inertia. But we are doing it. Slowly, we are clawing our way back to motion—finding new grooves, establishing fresh habits, and emerging stronger.

Why share this? Because it’s a reminder that every single day is a fresh shot at progress. We all face our own versions of gravity—big or small. The question is: Will you let it drag you down, or will you commit to staying in motion?

Momentum in Action: My Wins So Far

Nine days in, and the proof is in the pudding. I’ve been focused on executing my exercise goal: an hour a day, no excuses. One epic day, I logged 18,000 steps—and my aching feet lived to tell the tale! I’ve mixed it up with yoga to work out the stiff and sore spots, hit the weights a time or two to build strength, and just moved in ways that feel natural and invigorating. My body is responding—I’m sleeping better, thinking clearer, and yeah, starting to feel good again. Like, really good.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. These habits are my shield against gravity, and they’re working wonders.

A Note of Gratitude—and a Challenge for You

Before I wrap this up, I want to say thank you. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for reading these ramblings, for hanging out with me on this journey, and for being part of the routine that’s keeping me accountable. It means the world.

My prayer for you? That you’ve got big, audacious goals staring you down. That you’ve battled your own inertia, gotten your body (and dreams) in motion, and crafted a daily plan to fend off life’s gravitational pulls. If it’s clicking for me after just nine days, imagine what it could do for you. I am excited to see where the journey takes us. 

Stay strong, keep moving. Day 10 drops tomorrow—see you then! What’s one habit you’re committing to today? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other. 

Embarking on the 740 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ 1 Comment

A Journey of Transformation and Self-Improvement

Hello, everyone. Today, I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to share something personal with you. I’m starting a new project—a new challenge—that I’m calling the 740 Challenge. This isn’t just another fleeting resolution; it’s a structured plan for self-improvement and betterment that I believe can truly change my life. Let me break it down for you and explain why I’m doing this.

What is the 740 Challenge?

At its core, the 740 Challenge involves seven tasks that I intend to do daily over the next 40 days. Why 40 days? Well, biblically speaking, the number 40 often represents transformation—think of the 40 days of rain during the flood or Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. I’ve seen enough evidence to believe that, with consistent application and persistence, real change can happen in that timeframe. It’s not about overnight miracles; it’s about building habits that stick.

But here’s where the “7” and the bigger picture come in: I plan to complete seven cycles of this 40-day challenge. That adds up to 280 days in total. Between each cycle, I’ll take seven days to pause, revisit my goals, take notes, and assess my progress. Have I achieved what I set out to? Do I need to adjust? This break will keep things pragmatic and ensure I’m not just going through the motions.

The goal? Maximum results through sustained effort. By the end, I hope to have transformed key areas of my life.

Why Now? My Personal Story

I’m 46 years old, and let’s be honest: I’m not in the physical shape I wish I was. I haven’t accomplished many of the objectives I’ve set for myself over the years. Statistically, I might have several decades ahead of me, but the older I get, the more I realize time isn’t always on our side. I’ve learned this the hard way—I’ve gone through cancer twice. I’ve seen how frail human life is, lost people dear to me, and witnessed how quickly everything can change. Those experiences have hammered home a crucial truth: there’s no tomorrow promised. We have today, and we need to make the most of it to avoid regrets.

Like many of us, I have those competing voices in my head. One sits on my shoulder, encouraging me, whispering that these are worthy goals and I can do this. The other reminds me of past failures, insisting I’ll fall short again. Which one will I listen to? The proof will be in my daily actions. It’s time to make a change. It’s time to be better than I’ve been. It’s time to transform.

The Seven Goals

As part of the 740 Challenge, I have seven specific goals that I’ll be focusing on. I’ll cover these goals in detail so you can see what they are, and I’ll report back on my progress, sharing thoughts on each one as I go through the challenge. Why are they important? Because they represent the steps I need to take control and actively pursue a fulfilling life.

Here they are:

  1. Bible study and prayer: Spend 15-20 minutes, maybe this morning, reading a chapter or devotional and praying.
  2. 100+ ounces of water: This may seem basic, but staying hydrated is foundational to being healthy.
  3. Track 2500-2800 calories: Log meals in MyFitnessPal, aiming for balanced, protein-rich foods.
  4. One-hour exercise: A mix of yoga, brisk walking, and/or lifting (bodyweight or weights).
  5. Learning/reading: Dedicate 30 minutes to a book or course—nonfiction or something inspiring.
  6. Gratitude: Write three things you’re thankful for tonight in a journal.
  7. Writing/business activities: Spend 30-60 minutes on writing (journal, blog) and/or working on projects I want to deliver.

Accountability and Looking Ahead

This blog post is my accountability mechanism. By putting this out there, I’m committing publicly to the process. I’ll check in with updates on my progress, especially after the first 40 days, and continue through each cycle. I look forward to sharing the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the road.

If you’re reading this and feeling inspired (or even skeptical), join me in spirit. Maybe start your own version of a challenge. Life’s too short not to pursue transformation.

Thanks for reading. Here’s to day one of the 740 Challenge—let’s make it count.